Marriage license · Texas
Texas marriage license: cost, where to apply, and when
Issued by the county clerk. 72-hour wait unless you take the course or one of you is active military. Any county clerk, valid statewide.
When to apply, for your date
The license lasts 90 days and there is a 3-day wait, so apply between 90 and 3 days before the wedding. Enter your date and we will do the arithmetic.
The course discount
The free Twogether in Texas course (8 hours) waives the 72-hour wait and $60 of the fee. Ask the office which providers count before you sign up; the certificate has to come from a registered provider and be dated within a year of applying.
Where to apply
The offices that serve the Texas cities Lazo covers. Both of you go, with government photo ID; check the office's own page for hours, appointments and what to bring.
What to bring
Both of you, in person, with government photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. Know your parents' full names and birthplaces, which most applications ask. If either of you was married before, know the date and how it ended; some offices ask for the decree. Bring the fee; not every office takes cards.
Texas marriage license FAQ
How much does a marriage license cost in Texas?
About $71 to $85, paid to the county clerk. The free Twogether in Texas course (8 hours) waives the 72-hour wait and $60 of the fee. Fees change and differ by county; confirm with the office.
Where do you get a marriage license in Texas?
From the county clerk. 72-hour wait unless you take the course or one of you is active military. Any county clerk, valid statewide.
Is there a waiting period in Texas?
3-day wait. Apply at least 3 days before the ceremony.
How long is a Texas marriage license valid?
Valid 3 months. Apply within 90 days of the wedding, after any waiting period.
Do you need witnesses in Texas?
No. Only the officiant signs.
Fees and rules are as published by the issuing offices for 2025 to 2026 and change without notice. This page is a planning aid, not legal advice; the office's own page is the last word. Planning a wedding in Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, El Paso? Every vendor there is ranked by verified reviews, and your free wedding website is a click away. Every state.